Overview -- My husband and I had wanted to travel on the QM2 since it launched, however the initial prices had been a little off-putting, and we had decided to wait. In addition, we had been a little apprehensive about spending so much money after reading the inconsistent reviews posted here. With the significant price reductions Cunard was offering this spring, we finally decided it was worth it just for the experience: be it good or bad. We happily report we have nothing but praise for this wonderful experience.
Embarkation -- Although Cunard assigns you an embarkation time on your documents that they assure you is "strictly enforced", no one ever looked at this or even asked. We arrived at the NYC Cruise ship terminal at 1200 and embarkation was already underway. Our luggage was collected at the curb by a friendly steward who gave us directions to the check-in area. People were seated in a large open area in the order they arrived. We sat for about 20 minutes and then were led to the actual check-in desks. The check-in staff couldn't have been nicer. Picture ID ship cards were made and we were told all the cabins were ready. On the way to the ship they had set up a table where you could make your alternative dining reservations. I thought this was a nice touch to keep you from tearing around the ship in the first hour trying to find restaurants and make reservations. We made reservations for Todd English, the Chefs Galley, and Lotus. We then made our way onto the ship where there were crew members waiting to escort those who needed assistance. We opted to guide ourselves and found our way with no problem. We were in our cabin by 1250.
Cabin -- Our cabin was on deck 4, a category B4 "in hull" balcony cabin. The cabin layout was typical of ships of this price and age. The design was functional and well thought out, giving the illusion of roominess. The dEcor was clean and classic with more "relaxing" art then we have experienced on some cruise lines that tend to more "modern" interior decoration. The cabin was exceptionally quiet, and though we had neighbors on either side, we never heard a peep. The balcony was exactly as one would expect, a metal "box" set into the hull. As others have noted, the solid railing wall makes it impossible to see anything when seated in the cabin or even in the chairs on the balcony, however we did not find this to be an issue. Once at sea on the North Atlantic, we appreciated the sheltered nature of the balcony, since the design blocked 90% of the wind. In truth, we didn't use the balcony much on the transatlantic crossing: it was foggy many days with limited visibility and chilly every day. With little to see and frigid weather, an ocean view cabin would likely have been equally enjoyable. The cabin stewardess was efficient, unobtrusive and diligent. The room was always spotless and smelled "fresh". We are non-smokers and sensitive to any hint of stale smoke so this was especially welcome. In fact, nowhere in the ship did you smell even the faintest hint of the "mustiness" that seems endemic on oceangoing vessels.